Metal Compensator: The Core Device for Flexible Connection of Pipelines

Metal compensator, also known as metal expansion joint or metal expansion joint, is a type of compensator. The following is a detailed introduction to metal compensator:

1、 Definition and Function

A metal compensator is a flexible connector for metal pipelines, consisting of corrugated pipes (an elastic element) and accessories such as end pipes, brackets, flanges, and conduits. It utilizes the effective expansion and contraction deformation of corrugated pipes to absorb dimensional changes in pipelines, conduits, containers, etc. caused by thermal expansion and contraction, or compensate for axial, lateral, and angular displacements of pipelines, conduits, containers, etc. It can also be used for noise reduction and vibration reduction.

2、 Main features

a. Excellent flexibility: The metal compensator is made of austenitic stainless steel material or materials according to user requirements, which has excellent flexibility.

b. Corrosion resistance: Metal compensators have the ability to resist atmospheric oxidation, that is, rust resistance, and also have the ability to resist corrosion in media containing acid, alkali, and salt.

c. High temperature resistance: The metal compensator can operate normally within the temperature range of -235 ℃ to+450 ℃.

d. High pressure resistance: The maximum working pressure of the metal compensator can reach 32MPa.

e. Large compensation amount: Metal compensators can compensate for axial, radial, and angular thermal deformation of pipelines and absorb equipment vibration.

3、 Type and Model

There are three types of metal compensators: axial, transverse, and angular, with tens of thousands of models available. The more commonly used ones are:

a. Single axial type: mainly used to absorb axial displacement.

b. External axial type: suitable for situations with low pressure.

c. Directly buried type: suitable for compensation in directly buried pipelines.

d. Disposable direct burial type: no maintenance required, long service life.

e. Single and compound hinge types: capable of absorbing significant lateral displacement.

f. Single and compound universal type: with multi-directional compensation capability.

g. Compound free type: suitable for complex displacement situations.

h. Straight and bent pipe pressure balance type: capable of balancing the pressure inside the pipeline.

In addition, there are rectangular corrugated compensators and non-metallic compensators.

4、 Application Fields

Metal compensators are widely used in various industrial pipeline systems, including but not limited to the following aspects:

a. Thermal pipeline system: In thermal pipelines, due to significant fluctuations in medium temperature, the length of the pipeline will change significantly. Metal compensators can absorb these deformations to ensure the safe operation of the pipeline system.

b. Chemical pipeline system: Pipeline systems in the chemical industry often face harsh environments such as high temperature, high pressure, and corrosion. Metal compensators are made of high-quality stainless steel and other materials, which have good corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance, providing reliable protection for chemical pipeline systems.

c. Water supply and drainage pipeline system: In the water supply and drainage system, factors such as foundation settlement and temperature changes may also cause pipeline deformation. Metal compensators can absorb these deformations and prevent pipeline damage due to stress concentration.

d. Petroleum, metallurgy, power and other industries: Pipeline systems in these industries are often large-scale and structurally complex, with high requirements for stability and safety. The application of metal compensators in these fields not only improves the overall performance of pipeline systems, but also extends the service life of equipment.

5、 Installation and maintenance

a. Installation: When installing metal compensators, their layout and laying requirements should be considered to reduce unnecessary trouble. For example, shallow burial is advantageous for direct burial of steam pipelines; To ensure the reliability of the compensation process, the design span should not be too large or too small; Metal compensators or fixed brackets should be installed at locations where the diameter and wall thickness change.

b. Maintenance: Metal compensators should be regularly inspected and maintained during use to ensure their proper functioning. The inspection includes the deformation of the corrugated pipe, the connection of the flange, and the stability of the bracket.

In summary, metal compensators are powerful and widely used pipeline compensation devices. When selecting, the appropriate type and model should be chosen according to the specific usage environment and requirements.